Japan plans to provide long-term support to the maritime authority of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, in a move aimed at countering China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, according to NHK. Japan’s International Cooperation Agency will develop a 10-year support plan for these four countries, which the government views as top priorities for security. In January, on-the-ground surveys were conducted in the Philippines and Indonesia, with similar events planned for Malaysia and Vietnam around April. Japanese officials will discuss with each country the provision o…